The Help, a New York Times bestselling novel, is being released in theaters on August 10, 2011. This fictional story is based on the real culture of household workers in 1960′s Jackson, Mississippi and was filmed throughout the state.

Author, Kathryn Stockett, was insistent that if her book was to be bought to the big screen, then it had to be filmed in Mississippi. It only makes sense, seeing that the book was set in this southern state. Director Tate Taylor, Stockett’s friend, and screenplay writer, stayed close to the storyline of the novel. The movie was filmed in three Mississippi locations: Clarksdale, Greenwood, and Jackson.

I recently traveled to Jackson, Mississippi on Amtrak’s City of New Orleans and from the moment I stepped off the train, I had almost stepped back in time. The historic train station housed the Robert Johnson Blues Foundation and the entire building had been restored to it’s former glory. While the novel is based predominantly in Jackson, the residential film site was actually Greenwood, which still offers the architecture of the era. There were some scenes of The Help movie filmed in downtown Jackson, Mississippi.

The Cuisine:

If you are a big fan of book, then you’ll be a big fan of the movie, but you don’t necessarily have to read the book before heading to the theater. Fans of the book and movie can take a trip to Jackson and enjoy southern comfort food, such as golden fried chicken and fresh country vegetables, all washed down with a glass of sweet ice tea. There are a number of restaurants (including the amazing Parlor Market), but the most notable for fans of The Help is The Mayflower Cafe, which appears in the movie a few times. At night, the neon light beckons visitors to step into a time warp. You’ll sit down and expect to see Skeeter enjoying a malt or to hear that mean old Hilly Holbrook walk through the door, entourage following, as they gossip about those they think are beneath them.

And I’ll bet you can find a slice of chocolate pie or two for dessert. If you are looking for other delicious Southern Cuisine restaurants in Jackson, a great online resource is Eat Jackson, complete with reviews, menus, and directions.

Places to Stay:

The Historic Fairview Inn was not only a film site for The Help, but also where many of the stars stayed during filming. It is also mentioned in the novel on page 148. The Fairview Inn is offering The Help Package, giving fans of the book and movie their own Southern Mississippi experience. The package includes lodging and nostalgia such as old fashioned bottle Coca Cola (with peanuts, drop a few in your coke for a true Southern delicacy), mint juleps on arrival, authentic southern dinner for 2 at Sophia’s Restaurant, playing cards, and a book on how to play Bridge. Rates start at $349 per night.

If you aren’t up for staying at The Fairview Inn, in downtown Jackson you can spend a night or two at the Jackson Mississippi Hilton Garden Inn, just across the street from the train station and one block from The Mayflower restaurant. The Hilton Garden Inn is an historic property built in 1923. It was once called the King Edward Hotel and is very chic and elegant. I stayed overnight during my visit to Jackson, MS and have to recommend breakfast at the hotel restaurant – the grits were delicious.

Driving Tour of Belhaven Neighborhood:

The City of Jackson, Mississippi put together a driving tour for fans of The Help, complete with quotes from the book and the landmarks mentioned. You can check out details of the full tour, along with a map download. Check out The Help in Belhaven Neighborhood Tour.

Synopsis (from Dreamworks)

Based on one of the most talked about books in years and a #1 New York Times best-selling phenomenon,  The Help stars Emma Stone (Easy A) as Skeeter, Academy Award®–nominated Viola Davis (Doubt) as Aibileen and Octavia Spencer as Minny—three very different, extraordinary women in Mississippi during the 1960s,  who build an unlikely friendship around a secret writing project that breaks societal rules and puts them all at risk. From their improbable alliance a remarkable sisterhood emerges, instilling all of them with the courage to transcend the lines that define them, and the realization that sometimes those lines are made to be crossed —even if it means bringing everyone in town face-to-face with the changing times.

Deeply moving, filled with poignancy, humor and hope, The Help is a timeless and universal story about the ability to create change.

The Help opens August 10, 2011 and is a movie of strength and inspiration. Be sure to share your thoughts on The Help Movie Facebook Fan Page.

Even during the middle of the busy summer season, the Henderson Park Inn is a romantic beachfront cocoon tucked on a quiet side street in Destin, Florida. The gray clapboard bed and breakfast resembles the seaside homes of upstate Maine.

The 36-room inn is on a one-mile stretch of sugar white sand beside the emerald waters of the Gulf Coast. An adults only property, every guest room receives a bottle of wine and flowers upon arrival.

On the Tuesday afternoon we arrive, the sun is shining on the green blue water as storm clouds began to gather. Our first floor Executive Suite is a large room with a king-size four-poster bed, two leather chairs and a small bar-height table with chairs. Amenities include: a microwave, mini fridge, coffee setup, jetted bathtub with shower, television with DVD player (free movies can be borrowed from the front desk), and free Internet.

Two glass doors open onto a covered wood balcony with chairs and a side table. Jim pours the wine, I unpack our books and we both take in big gulps of ocean air–this is relaxing. I could sit out here all day with the sound of the waves splashing onto the beach.

We’ve vacationed in Northwest Florida for years, but only recently discovered the Henderson Park Inn. This Gulf Coast gem is the perfect escape for a couple. The Inn prides itself on service. Breakfast and lunch are included in the pricing.

Dining

Breakfast is a huge spread. I choose oatmeal with an apple topping–it’s like apple pie without the guilt. Jim’s  made-to-order omelet with tomatoes, cheese and bacon is delicious. We chat with a couple from Bloomington, Indiana who are thrilled with the Inn, love the beach and especially like that you have to be 25 or older to even make a reservation. Jim and I sip on a second cup of coffee and read the complimentary USA Today as more guests assemble for the morning meal.

Each evening, guests place their orders for the following day’s lunch. The selection is a range of sandwiches and salads from classics like ham and Swiss to Mediterranean Veggie. Fresh lemonade and gourmet cookies magically appear from noon to 2. Boxed lunches are a wonderfully flexible idea. You can eat on the beach, the dining room or your private balcony.

From 4 pm to 5 pm, guests gather on the Inn’s outdoor deck for the complimentary Happy Hour. Under the Tiki Bar, beer and wine flow as strangers introduce themselves. Many people choose to sit for the next few hours enjoying the front row seat to a spectacular sunset.

Another great seat is at the Beachwalk Cafe which offers indoor and outdoor dining. Only open for dinner, reservations are recommended. Make it early–if you want to see the view. We dined after dark, but were treated to an amazing lightening display.

The restaurant’s decor is understated with a very attentive wait staff. We ordered a glass of wine and the crab meat spring rolls–a light, airy appetizer with a soy ginger dipping sauce. For an entree, I had a Southern Classic–shrimp and grits. Jim ate every bite of his ribeye cap with mashed potatoes and asparagus. The tart key lime pie with a cheese cake texture is superb.

Diversions

The main attraction is the beach where the Inn has a row of umbrellas and chairs reserved for guests. Beach towels are stored in the lobby. Explore the area on one of the complimentary bicycles and take a ride to the nearby park or even 30-A with it’s funky art galleries and unique shops. Keeping cool is easy–community refrigerators are stocked with bottled waters, sodas and ice-cold candy bars.

Currently, the Inn is providing one complimentary ticket per stay to the Sea Blaster Boat Cruise. The most romantic choice is a sunset cruise.

Details

The Henderson Park Inn is a cozy retreat. I highly recommend it for couples celebrating an anniversary, rekindling the romance, or those in need of a secluded and relaxing escape. Thanks to the Inn for hosting our recent visit. Rates range from $139 to $609 per night. Call 1.888. 836.1105 for reservations and information.

I’ve had a long and elusive relationship with Missouri’s wine country. For years, I wanted to take a Missouri wine tour and even went so far as to book a spot on a trip to see the area firsthand. Unfortunately, a little hurricane named Gustav arrived at my doorstep the morning I was to fly out to Missouri, shutting down area airports for days.

Last year, when my family took a spring break road trip to Missouri, I insisted on stopping at every winery we came across. Our base was in Branson and there were two wineries with shops in the destination. Of course, I dragged my entire family into both of them.

Stone Hill Winery

Stone Hill Winery was established in 1847, along the banks of the Missouri River in the town of Hermann. Since 1986, there has been a Branson location that offers free tours and tastings, as well as a wide selection of their wines. Free tours are offered every 15 minutes and children are welcome to go along. The tour started with a film and then the group went through the aging and bottling process. The kids both seemed interested in the process until we went to the tasting room, where they were made to stand against the wall while the adults tasted. There were some other families in attendance, with little ones who were very active and disinterested in the entire event. That family ended up leaving before finishing any samples. A good idea for this particular business would be to have a small play area in a corner for little ones so that the parents can enjoy the tasting and end up making purchases.

All in all, it was a good tour, but I would not recommend this if you have small children, only to keep yourself from being frustrated. The wines here were good and I left with a six bottle purchase of a variety of blends.

Stone Hill Winery-Branson
601 State Hwy. 165
Branson, MO 65616

Mount Pleasant Winery

Mount Pleasant Winery was established in 1859 by two German brothers who came to the Missouri River region. My family stopped in to check out the wines and while it was a quiet and more intimate atmosphere than our previous wine tasting experience, the kids were made welcome as we walked in the door. Mount Pleasant Winery in Branson offers a basic flight wine tasting at no charge, and premium flight tastings for around $5 per person. The kids were even included with their own flight of grape juice to taste.

I ended up purchasing four bottles of wine to bring home and even returned during my last Branson visit. Our hotel was within walking distance to Mount Pleasant Winery and I was able to procure a few bottles to share with the other Traveling Mamas in attendance on the trip.

Mount Pleasant Winery
3125 Green Mountain Drive
Branson, MO  65616

Tips for traveling with Wine

Be sure to treat your wine bottles gently while traveling home from your destination. I travel with a few Bottlewise wine bottle travel bags, but wineries do offer easy carry containers for packing home.

Don’t let it overheat. Traveling with wine, especially during the hot summer months, can effect the overall quality once you get home to enjoy your blends. Be sure to store your wine inside the passenger area of your vehicle to keep the temperature moderate and don’t place your wine in direct sunlight.

If traveling by air, remember that you cannot bring your wine purchases as a carry on through security. It will be confiscated. Instead, pack your wine carefully in a checked bag, or arrange for the winery to ship your purchases home, depending upon your state’s liquor laws.

Be sure to enjoy your wine purchases responsibly and don’t drink and drive. To plan your own visit to Branson, Missouri, be sure to check out ExploreBranson.com. The best part about wine tasting in Branson? It’s free!

The walkway down to the lake from our hotel room.

I should start off this story by saying this:  It rained.  And it rained.  And it rained some more.  It got to the point where my best friend and I were feeling concerned: she has three cats, and I have three dogs, and (as we understood it) only two of each would be allowed on the ark.

But did that downpour stop us from heading to the North Shore of Lake Superior for a much-needed girlfriend getaway?  Absolutely not!  Diane had her knitting, we reasoned, I had a good book, the place where we were staying had in-room gas fireplaces and a two-person hot tub, and we could look at the lake, even if we couldn’t wade in it or kayak on it.  In fact, ask a North Shore native whether it’s a good idea to take a dip in frosty Lake Superior in July, and she’ll laugh you out of town.  Swimming wasn’t going to be an option no matter what.

I should add that the rain was not the only wrench in our long-anticipated lake shore getaway.  No, the state of Minnesota government was impolite enough to schedule its shutdown right in the middle of our vacation.  While it might not seem like a big deal that the legislature was going toe to toe to the governor over the state budget, the ramifications were none too pretty for tourists like us.  Yes, the state tourism board was closed, as were all of the rest stops and state parks.  We did see people crawling over barricades to walk through the woods and get a glimpse of the famed Split Rock Lighthouse, but to us that seemed insane – did I mention it was raining?

So, we decided, we’ll just drive straight through, with a stop at Tobie’s donuts along the way (apple fritters = total yum).   I don’t know why, but I was expecting the drive to be long and arduous, even if it was with my best friend in the car.  Not so – about two hours after we left the comfort of Diane’s North Minneapolis bungalow, we pulled into Duluth and got our first glimpse of the lake Minnesotans make so much fuss about.

Two Harbors sign

After that, Two Harbors was only another half hour or so, and the scenery was stunning – or it would have been, I guess, if we could have seen Lake Superior through all that rain.

The view from our suite at Superior Shores

The kitchen in our suite

Luckily for us, we’d booked a one-bedroom lakefront suite at Superior Shores, a lodge-style hotel right on the banks of the lake.  The suite was really more like a condo, with a full (and fully-stocked) kitchen, a huge living room with a fireplace (more on that in a minute), a large balcony, a king bedroom with another fireplace, a gigantic hot tub, and a full bath.  If we were going to be stuck in the rain on our North Shore vacation, this was definitely the place to be – we thanked our lucky stars that we weren’t in a regular 300 square-foot hotel room where we’d undoubtedly go stir crazy within an hour.

What a great hot tub!

The food was excellent, too – the hotel’s restaurant, Kamloops,  created a pretty memorable bruschetta (think capers and red onions and blue cheese and mozzarella and tomatoes and balsamic vinegar, all on a platter so we could assemble our own) and an even more memorable grasshopper (which they even let us take back to the room!).  Sitting in front of a fire with bruschetta and grasshoppers and knitting and some good reads?  That’s a vacation.

The next morning, we looked at each other.  Rain or no rain, we were going out. We first fortified ourselves with good coffee and homemade pecan rolls at Kamloops, then sprinted to the car for an ninety-minute drive to Grand Marais, an artsy shoreside town where Diane promised me we’d get the best fish fry we’d had in a long time.

The Angry Trout's main vehicle

Looking back, I wish we’d had ponchos.  The town really was cute, and there were a lot of little boutique-y type shops I wanted to browse, but by this point we were seriously anticipating flash floods.  We did pop into a tiny but cute independent bookstore (don’t even get me started on how much I love independent bookstores) and a nice gallery with woodcuts from local artists . . . but it was the Angry Trout that made the drive worth it.

The restaurant’s one of those local places that makes everything from its own bread and jam to some of the best blueberry pie around.  Even the salads are unusual, topped with beets and cheeses and whitefish and other goodies.  My fish and chips weren’t the typical English pub fare; instead, I got a thin filet of whitefish, coated with cornmeal and herbs and lightly fried.  Because the restaurant was right on the lake, we had a great view while we ate our pie and coffee – we only wished we were out on the deck hanging over the water.

I love it when a restaurant has a fun chalkboard full of specials . . .

The outside of the Angry Trout

Some of the mementos on the mantle in our suite.

That night, back at the hotel, we looked through the souvenirs that various lovers had left on the mantel in our room.  Some went way back – some folks had honeymooned there in the 90s – and some were recent and poignant (like the couple celebrating a husband’s two-day leave from deployment in Iraq).  Folks left tiny canoes, rocks, sticks, all inscribed with their celebrations in this lovely place.  I could totally picture returning with my husband (we’ll be celebrating our 15^th wedding anniversary this year) and cooking up some tiny souvenir of our own to leave on the mantel – a tiny wiener dog, perhaps?

For now, my best friend and I were well-rested, well-fed, even well-soaked (boy, was that hot tub excellent).  So, yes, even though it rained, this weekend on the North Shore of Lake Superior was a celebration of sorts, a time when my best friend and I could reconnect, kick back, talk, and drink grasshoppers.  And isn’t that what a weekend getaway should be all about?

On our next visit to Lake Superior, we'll sit in chairs on the shore . . .

Summer will be over before you know it.   Indulge in some special mother-daughter bonding at the oh so hip Hotel Derek in Houston, Texas. The hotel offers complimentary transportation to the Galleria–a shopping center with more than 350 stores, restaurants and yes, an ice  skating rink!

The Back to School! Package includes: free manicure or pedicure for two, free valet parking at the hotel, free discount coupons to the Galleria, free breakfast for two and deluxe accommodations for two starting at $199 per night.

Visit Hotel Derek or call 866-924-883 for details.

Hotel bars {sigh}.When I travel to conferences, for business, on a romantic getaway, or just to meet friends, a hotel bar provides a fun, yet intimate setting for a cocktail or two. It’s a place to meetup before going out in a destination and it’s also the place people end up at the close of the evening.

Businesses are created at hotel bars and big deals are sealed. Amazing ideas magically appear at hotel bars, as scribblings on a cocktail napkin, formed from a moment of inspiration after a libation or two. One of my personal favorite hotel bars is at The Monteleone in New Orleans. The onsite Carousel Bar has quenched the thirst of many a famous person, and even a few infamous characters.

On July 20-24, 2011 cocktail enthusiasts and professionals from all over the globe wil gather around the Carousel Bar for Tales of the Cocktail, New Orleans’ annual spirited event. Tales of the Cocktail also hosts the annual Spirited Awards, honoring the best of the best in the cocktail industry, including the World’s Best Hotel Bar. This year, the nominees for that category are:

Artesian at The Langham, London, England – This glamorous cocktail bar is named after the 360 ft deep well located under The Langham Hotel. The decor is both exotic and romantic with alluring and contemporary touches. Artesian’s signature spirit is rum, but they serve a variety of drinks. The Cocktail Grazing Menu is for those who can’t quite decide what they are in the mood for. Visiting London with kids and want to stop in? Kids are welcome until 6pm on weekdays and 8pm on weekends. Website: http://www.artesian-bar.co.uk/

Clive’s Classic Lounge at Chateau Victoria Hotel, Victoria, British Columbia - This hotel bar is named after the hotel owner, Clive Piercy. The lounge itself is warm and inviting with Swarovski crystal lighting, comfy leather chairs, and two fireplaces to cozy up to while enjoying the social gastronomy and cocktail culture. Enjoy a concoction such as the Grilled Chees and Tomato Soup Martini, or the recently rediscovered Toronto. http://www.clivesclassiclounge.com

Clyde Common at The Ace Hotel, Portland, Oregon – This European  style tavern opened in 2007. What sets it apart from most other hotel bars is that instead of purchasing aged spirits, bar manager Jeffrey Morganthaler ages his own cocktails in oak barrels. Happy Hour is Monday-Friday from 3pm-6pm. http://www.clydecommon.com/

The Savoy, London, England - This Fairmont Hotel has been a British icon since 1889 and recently underwent the largest hotel restoration in British history. Step up to the American Bar and enjoy one of Harry Craddock’s classic cocktails. The likes of Noel Coward, George Gershwin, George Bernard Shaw and H G Wells once frequented the American Bar. The recently opened Beaufort Bar is Art Deco and offers an extensive Champagne menu along with nightly cabaret performances. http://www.fairmont.com/savoy/

The Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards will be held on July 23, 2011 at The Mahalia Jackson Theater in New Orleans, LA. Tickets can be purchased at www.TalesoftheCocktail.com. Have you been to any of these notable hotel bars? Which hotel do YOU think has the best hotel bar in the world?

Grab a girlfriend and head to New York City. Hilton’s “Shop Til You Drop” package provides guests with a $50 Bloomingdale’s gift card, 15% savings certificate to Bloomingdale, 10% savings certificate to Macy’s, South Street Seaport savings packet (full of discounts to dine and shop at this historic attraction), complimentary champagne toast at Thalassa Restaurant, 20% off at Equinox Wall Street, $15 off Top Button’s Walking Shopping Tour and 15% off at City Crab and Seafood Restaurant. Four Hilton hotels–Hilton New York Fashion District, Hilton Times Square, Doubletree Suites by Hilton Times Square and Doubletree by Hilton Metropolitan New York City are offering this deal for shoppers now through December 31, 2011. Book it by calling 1-800-HILTONS and requesting plan code B2 or B21.

For online reservations, visit www.Hilton.com.

If you read my last post, you know I’ve been on a mission:  a summer spa safari, that is.  Yes, by the end of this very harsh Philadelphia winter, my skin was scaly, my body was far from buff, and rest and relaxation?  Never heard of ‘em.

I started out my spa safari at the Loews Ventana Canyon Lakeside Spa.  My next stop?  The Spa at St. Julien in Boulder, Colorado. This spa is humungous – 10,000 square feet between the spa and fitness center, and it has every kind of treatment you can think of, including signature Boulder-esque (read:  natural, relaxing, unpretentious) treatments based on Colorado’s indigenous plants and elements.

My morning before my spa visit had been a little stressful:  lots of work, too little time.  Best time to visit the spa, right?  You bet.  The Spa at St. Julien’s robe were super-comfy, and the lounge where I waited for my massage therapist was cushy and quiet, with all the latest magazines and flavored waters, to boot.

But when I got into the room for my Rock On! Massage – that was when the fun really began.    The spa’s literature said that the massage would “ease discomfort and promote a feeling of holistic well-being” – just what the doctor ordered.  The massage therapist worked my muscles with  the hot stones, but not too hard,and I felt the stresses of the morning melt away.  I didn’t sleep, but I did fall into a kind of slumber, just enough so that my brain was no longer on overload and my muscles no longer hurt from my morning workout.

At the end of the treatment, the therapist told me to drink lots of water.  While that’s typical advice after a massage, it was even more important here in Boulder, at the base of the Flatiron Mountains; at 5280 elevation (or thereabouts), it’s easy to get dizzy and dehydrated.  My solution?  I sat on a cushioned lounger by the lap pool, inhaled the water, and closed my eyes for a restful afternoon.

Next stop on my summer spa safari?  Stay tuned!

Summer’s here!  At the beginning of the summer, I’m always feeling like I want my body and skin to look their best.  My strategy this year?  I’m taking a summer spa safari, sampling spas around the country and trying out local specialties and treatments (yes, I know, I have a hard job).

I started my safari in Tucson at the Loews Ventana Canyon Resort’s Lakeside Spa, an intimate, lovely space at an upscale resort.  The only tough part about my spa experience?  Deciding which treatments to try.  My choice – go local, allowing the professionals to use ingredients and techniques specific to the area.

That’s why I started off with the Sedona Sacred Clay Energy Restorer, a combination body scrub and wrap.  The aesthetician used salt to smooth my skin all over, then had me shower (when I found that my winter scales were gone!).  Next, she applied warm clay to my entire body, wrapped me in plastic and blankets, and massaged my scalp while I snoozed in my cocoon (I’m pretty sure I snored, but the discreet woman doing my treatment didn’t mention it).  Following Native American tradition, she wafted smoking sage around the room while I relaxed.  When I showered for a second time, I felt like a noodle.

Next up?  A Desert Rain Pedicure.  The spa director explained to me that guests who travel from afar wish they could bottle the scent of the desert after it rains. The spa decided to see what it could do; they purchased specially blended product from Sweet P’s, a Tucson-based company, to use in conjunction with a salt scrub for the most luxurious pedicure I’ve ever had. Not only did the pedicurist massage my legs with hot stones, she put little ones between my toes while I reclined with a warm neck roll.  She sprayed my legs with the gorgeous scent, then polished my toes bright purple (all the better to lounge by the spa’s lovely pool afterwards).

Yes, I live in Philadelphia, so it will probably be a while before I find myself in Tucson again.  When I do, though, you can bet I’ll be back at the Lakeside Spa – there are tons more treatments I have to try.

One area I can always find on a cruise ship is the pub. Most cruise lines offer a traditional English pub complete with pub fare and plenty of pints. Carnival Cruise Lines has taken the pub theme to a new level by introducing the Red Frog Pub, a fun and funky pub with a Caribbean flare.

Each time I entered the pub, there was either live music or the musician was setting up to play. Red Frog Pub on the Carnival Magic was much bigger than I expected, with five different public sections to choose from to enjoy your brew.

• The front entry with table seating, complete with palm trees and laid back Caribbean themed signs
• Interior entry with booth seating and Caribbean themed artwork on the walls
• Bar area with musician’s corner, bar seating, bar height window seating with tables and bar stools
• Game area with Caribbean themed takes on tradition English pub games
• Outdoor patio area with covered swing seating, table seating, and palm trees. This is also a smoking area.

Red Frog Pub serves a variety of Caribbean rums and beers and even offers the new private label Carnival Cruise Lines brew on tap – Thirsty Frog. I tasted this dark beer which was pretty darn good. This brew was so popular with cruise passengers that the Carnival Magic ran out of this libation on the first night of the cruise. That’s some serious popularity! Thirsty Frog can be ordered by the glass, pitcher, or the amazing 101 ounce tube for your entire table.

The Red Frog Pub seemed to be THE place to hang out on the Carnival Magic. Each time I passed through, I saw someone from our group there, just enjoying the cruise and being on vacation. The strains of a Jimmy Buffet or Kenny Chesney seemed to call to me, and the Thirsty Frog sure was mighty tasty. I can’t wait to see Red Frog Pub begin to appear on all of the Carnival Cruise Lines ships.

During the cruise, I caught up with Matt and Doug of Cruise Radio and enjoyed some Pub Grub and Thirsty Frog with this hilarious duo. Here are Doug’s thoughts on his favorite thing on the Carnival Magic. Note: We were at the Escape Bar which was much quieter than Red Frog Pub.

Special thanks to Carnival Cruise Lines for hosting my cruise aboard the Carnival Magic.